The United States reported the highest number of emigrants from the Philippines in 2023, with about ****** Filipinos choosing to live there permanently. In comparison, South Korea had *** Filipino emigrants that year.An emigrant is a person who has left their country to live permanently in another.

Philippines Overseas Filipinos: Permanent: World data was reported at 4,869,766.000 Person in 2013. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,925,797.000 Person for 2012. Philippines Overseas Filipinos: Permanent: World data is updated yearly, averaging 3,407,967.000 Person from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2013, with 17 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,925,797.000 Person in 2012 and a record low of 2,153,967.000 Person in 1997. Philippines Overseas Filipinos: Permanent: World data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Commission on Filipinos Overseas. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G020: Stock Estimate of Overseas Filipinos. The Stock Estimate is the aggregate of all Filipinos residing or working overseas at a given time. It included the permanent, temporary and irregular migrants · Permanent migrants- immigrants and legal permanent residents abroad, Filipinos naturalized in their host country, Filipino dual citizens · Temporary Migrants/Contract Worker- land-based and sea-based Filipino workers and others whose stay abroad is six month or more, and their accompanying dependents · Irregular Migrants- Filipinos not properly documented residence or work permits, in a foreign country

In 2024, preliminary figures recorded about **** million Filipinos leaving the Philippines to work overseas — a number higher than the previous year's estimates. The number of deployed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) significantly plummeted between 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading occupation of deployed OFWs  Among the newly hired land-based overseas Filipino workers in 2023, about ******* of them were domestic cleaners and helpers, followed by domestic housekeepers. Filipino domestic cleaners and housekeepers have been in demand in several countries, particularly in the Middle East and Hong Kong. These countries usually offer higher wages and better employment benefits for such jobs, in comparison to employers in the Philippines. Increasing demand for healthcare workers  Aside from domestic cleaners and housekeepers, recent years reflected a growing demand for healthcare workers, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Saudi Arabia was the leading destination of deployed Filipino nurses, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany.

Philippines OFWs: Africa data was reported at 28.295 Number th in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.243 Number th for 2022. Philippines OFWs: Africa data is updated yearly, averaging 24.725 Number th from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2023, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 38.845 Number th in 2013 and a record low of 6.000 Number th in 2001. Philippines OFWs: Africa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G044: Overseas Filipino Workers.

Between April and September 2023, most overseas workers from the Philippines worked in Asia, particularly in the Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, *** percent of OFWs were working in North and South America and *** percent were in Europe.

Abstract

The Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF) was conducted as a rider to the October 2008 Labor Force Survey (LFS).

The survey was designed to gather national estimates on the number of overseas workers, their socio economic characteristics and other information pertaining to the overseas workers who worked or have worked abroad from April to September 2008. The remittances of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in cash or in kind were also accounted for the specified reference period. The SOF data are useful inputs to government planners, migrant advocates, researchers, academes, concerned citizens, and other data users to the formulation of policies and programs for the welfare of the overseas Filipino.

Geographic coverage

The geographic coverage consists of the country's 17 administrative regions defined in Executive Order (EO) 36 and 131. The 17 regions are:

National Capital Region (NCR) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Region I - Ilocos Region Region II - Cagayan Valley Region III - Central Luzon Region IV-A - CALABARZON Region IV-B - MIMAROPA Region V - Bicol Region Region VI - Western Visayas Region VII - Central Visayas Region VIII - Eastern Visayas Region IX - Zamboanga Peninsula Region X - Northern Mindanao Region XI - Davao Region Region XII - SOCCSKSARGEN Caraga Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

Overseas Filipinos whose departure occured within the last five years and who are working or had worked abroad during the past six months (April to September) of the survey period.

For purposes of this survey, overseas workers are the following:

Filipino overseas contract workers (OCW) who are presently and temporarily out of the country to fulfill an overseas work contract for a specific length of time or who are presently at home on vacation but still has an existing contract to work abroad. They may be landbased or seabased.

Landbased workers ? these are overseas contract workers who are hired either by direct hiring of an employer abroad; or through the assistance of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); or through a private and licensed recruitment agency. They may have returned to the Philippines for a vacation (annual or emergency leave), or have transferred to other employers, or were rehired by their former employer.

Seabased workers ? these are overseas contract workers who worked or are working in any kind of international fishing/passenger/cargo vessels. Included also are OCWs who worked or are working for a shipping company abroad.

Other Filipino workers abroad with a valid working visa or work permits. Included also are crew members of airplanes such as pilots, stewards, stewardesses, etc. example: Filipinos working in countries such as U.S., Taiwan, Saipan, etc. with a working visa.

Filipinos abroad who are holders of other types of non-immigrant visa such as tourist/visitor, student, medical and others but are presently employed and working full time.

Persons not considered as overseas workers are:

Filipinos whose place of employment is outside the Philippines but whose employer is the Philippine government. Examples are Filipinos who worked or are working in Philippine embassies, missions and consulates abroad.

Filipinos who are sent abroad by the Philippine government or by private institutes for training, scholarship or any other similar purpose, even if they are known to be working abroad. Note that students who are sent abroad by private individual who are working or had worked there are excluded in this category.

Filipinos working in other countries who are hired as consultants/advisers of International organization such as the United Nations International Monetary Fund, etc.

Immigrants to other countries even though they are working abroad.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The Survey on Overseas Filipinos, as a rider to the Labor Force Survey (LFS), used the sampling design of the 2003 Master Sample (MS) for Household Surveys starting July 2003. The design of the Master Sample is described below:

1. Domain The 2003 MS considers the country's 17 administrative regions as its sampling domain. A domain is referred to as a subdivision of the country in which estimates with adequate level of precision is generated. It must be noted that while there is demand for data at the provincial level (and to some extent municipal and barangay levels), these were not treated as domain because of its large number (more than 80) and the large resource requirement it would entail.

2. Sampling Frame As in most household surveys, the 2003 MS made use of an area sample design. For this purpose, the Enumeration Area Reference File (EARF) of the 2000 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) was utilized as sampling frame. The EARF contains the number of households by enumeration area (EA) in each barangay.

This frame was used to form the primary sampling units (PSUs). With consideration of the period for which the 2003 MS will be in use, the PSUs were formed/defined as a barangay or a combination of barangays with at least 500 households.

1. Sample Size The 2003 MS consists of a sample of 2,835 PSUs of which 330 were certainty PSUs and 2,505 were non-certainty PSUs. The entire MS was divided into four sub-samples or independent replicates, such as a quarter sample contains one fourth of the PSUs found in one replicate; a half sample contains one-half of the PSUs in two replicates. The SOF as a rider to the LFS utilizes the full sample.

2. Stratification The 2003 MS considers the 17 regions of the country as the primary strata. Within each region, further stratification was performed using geographic groupings such as provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and independent component cities (ICCs). Within each of these substrata formed within regions, the PSUs were further stratified, to the extent possible, using the proportion of strong houses (PSTRONG), indicator of engagement in agriculture of the area (AGRI), and a measure of per capita income as stratification factors (PERCAPITA).

PSTRONG is defined to be the percentage of occupied housing units that are classified as made of strong materials in terms of both the roof and outer walls, based on the data from the 2000 CPH. A roof is considered made of strong material if it is made of either galvanized iron, aluminum, concrete/clay tile, half galvanized-half concrete, or asbestos. The outer wall is considered made of strong material if it is made of concrete, brick, stone, wood, half concrete-half wood, galvanized iron, asbestos or glass.

AGRI was determined in the following way: initially, an indicator variable was computed at the barangay level. That variable has the value 1 if more than 50 percent of the households in the barangay were engaged in agriculture or fisheries and 0 otherwise, based on the 2000 CPH Barangay Schedule. To obtain a measure at the PSU level, a weighted average of the barangay indicator variable was computed for all the barangays within the PSU, weighted by the total number of households in the barangay. Thus, the value of AGRI at the PSU level lies between 0 and 1.

PERCAPITA is defined as the total income of the municipality divided by the total population in that municipality. Note that the PERCAPITA value of the PSUs is the same if the PSUs are in the same municipality. The data on municipal income refer to year 2000 and were taken from the Department of Finance. However, if the 2000 municipal income was not reported to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), 2001 income was used. If no 2000 or 2001 municipal income was reported, the income classification from the BLGF for this municipality was obtained. Using the data on income, which are presented in income intervals, the average of the lower and the upper values of the income interval for the municipal class to which this municipality belongs were determined.

1. Sample Selection

The 2003 MS consists of a sample of 2,835 PSUs. The entire MS was divided into four sub-samples or independent replicates, such as a quarter sample contains one fourth of the total PSUs; a half sample contains one-half of the four subsamples or equivalent to all PSUs in two replicates.

The final number of sample PSUs for each domain was determined by first classifying PSUs as either self-representing (SR) or non-self-representing (NSR). In addition, to facilitate the selection of subsamples, the total number of NSR PSUs in each region was adjusted to make it a multiple of 4.

SR PSUs refers to a very large PSU in the region/domain with a selection probability of approximately 1 or higher and is outright included in the MS; it is properly treated as a stratum; also known as certainty PSU. NSR PSUs refers to a regular too small sized PSU in a region/domain; also known as non certainty PSU. The 2003 MS consists of 330 certainty PSUs and 2,505 non-certainty PSUs.

To have some control over the sub-sample size, the PSUs were selected with probability proportional to some estimated measure of size. The size measure refers to the total number of households from the 2000 CPH. Because of the wide variation in PSU sizes, PSUs with selection probabilities greater than 1 were identified and were included in the sample as certainty selections.

At the second stage, enumeration areas (EAs) were selected within sampled PSUs, and at the third stage, housing units were selected within sampled EAs. Generally, all households in sampled housing units were enumerated, except for few cases when the number of households in a housing unit exceeds three. In which case, a sample of three households in a sampled housing unit was selected at random with equal

Philippines Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) data was reported at 2,156.616 Number th in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,963.403 Number th for 2022. Philippines Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) data is updated yearly, averaging 1,982.702 Number th from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2023, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,447.000 Number th in 2015 and a record low of 978.000 Number th in 2000. Philippines Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G044: Overseas Filipino Workers.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in the United States were the leading source of remittances received by the Philippines in 2024. Remittances from the U.S. amounted to around ** billion U.S. dollars. Singapore follows, with remittances amounting to around **** billion U.S. dollars. Economic contribution of remittances  Remittances, in case or kind, have been a fundamental source of income in the Philippines. In fact, in 2020, the county ranked second to India when it comes to the total personal remittances received in the Asia Pacific region. Overall, personal remittances contributed about **** percent to the country's GDP. Demographics of OFWs  Of the **** million Filipino labor migrants employed worldwide in 2023, women accounted for the higher share of OFWs compared to men. In terms of age, most women OFWs were between the age of 30 and 34, while the majority of male OFWs were 45 years old and above.

The majority of registered Filipino au pairs were single, totaling ***** individuals in 2024. While most countries require au pairs to be single, certain countries, such as Germany, allow married ones to apply. In the same year, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark were the most popular destinations for Filipino au pairs.

The statistic shows a ranking on the leading countries based on their share of Facebook users worldwide as of January 2018. During the measured period, the United States accounted for 11 percent of the global Facebook population. India accounted for 12 percent of total Facebook users worldwide, having finally overtaken the United States in terms of Facebook user figures.

Philippines OFWs: Europe data was reported at 182.191 Number th in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 176.844 Number th for 2022. Philippines OFWs: Europe data is updated yearly, averaging 162.722 Number th from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2023, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 193.140 Number th in 2012 and a record low of 89.000 Number th in 1999. Philippines OFWs: Europe data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Philippine Statistics Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Philippines – Table PH.G044: Overseas Filipino Workers.

Filipino Restaurant Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Filipino restaurant market size reached USD 3.8 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust expansion as Filipino cuisine continues to gain international acclaim. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2033, with the total market size expected to reach USD 7.19 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by rising consumer interest in diverse and authentic culinary experiences, the globalization of food culture, and the increasing diaspora of Filipinos worldwide, which has fostered greater awareness and appreciation for Filipino culinary traditions.

One of the primary growth factors for the Filipino restaurant market is the increasing global demand for ethnic and authentic food experiences. As consumers become more adventurous and open to exploring new tastes, Filipino cuisine—with its unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, American, and indigenous influences—has carved out a distinctive niche in the global food scene. Social media platforms and food influencers have played a pivotal role in popularizing dishes such as adobo, sinigang, lechon, and halo-halo, thereby driving curiosity and footfall to Filipino restaurants. Additionally, the growing number of Filipino expatriates and overseas workers has led to a proliferation of Filipino restaurants in key international cities, further fueling market expansion.

Another significant driver is the trend toward fusion and innovation within the Filipino restaurant market. Chefs and restaurateurs are increasingly experimenting with traditional recipes, incorporating contemporary techniques and global ingredients to appeal to a broader customer base. This has resulted in the emergence of fusion concepts and modern Filipino dining establishments that cater to both traditionalists and younger, cosmopolitan diners. The rise of food delivery platforms and cloud kitchens has also made Filipino cuisine more accessible, enabling restaurants to reach customers beyond their immediate geographic locations and adapt to changing consumer preferences for convenience and contactless service.

The Filipino restaurant market is also benefiting from strategic investments and partnerships within the food and beverage industry. Major players are expanding their footprints through franchising, joint ventures, and collaborations with international food chains. This has led to increased standardization, improved quality control, and enhanced brand visibility. Governments and tourism boards in the Philippines and abroad are actively promoting Filipino gastronomy as part of cultural and culinary tourism initiatives, further boosting the market’s profile. These efforts, combined with rising disposable incomes and urbanization in emerging markets, are expected to sustain long-term growth in the sector.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific region remains the largest and most dynamic market for Filipino restaurants, accounting for over 54% of the global market share in 2024. This is largely due to the high concentration of Filipino populations in countries such as the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. North America follows closely, driven by a significant Filipino diaspora in the United States and Canada, where Filipino cuisine is increasingly featured in mainstream dining and food festivals. Europe and the Middle East are also witnessing steady growth, supported by rising tourism and expatriate communities. Each region presents unique opportunities and challenges, shaped by local tastes, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes.

Type Analysis

The Filipino restaurant market can be segmented by type into casual dining, fine dining, quick service restaurants (QSR), food trucks, and others. Casual dining establishments account for the largest share of the market, as they offer a comfortable and affordable way for customers to experience a wide range of Filipino dishes. These restaurants are popular among families, groups, and yo

This ranking displays the results of the worldwide Made-In-Country Index 2017, a survey conducted to show how positively products "made in..." are perceived in various countries all over the world. During this survey, 41 percent of respondents from Algeria perceived products made in the Philippines as "slightly positive" or "very positive".

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are considered bagong bayani, or modern-day heroes, as their remittances have a positive long-term impact on the Philippines economy. The Philippines ranked 10th worldwide in terms of net emigration from 2010 to 2020. The deployment of OFWs declined during the pandemic, and this was estimated to have adverse effects on remittances. As a migrant-sending country, the Philippine government had to deal with the mass of unemployed OFWs stranded in their host countries and organize large-scale repatriation of OFWs. This scoping review aims to assess the existing literature, identify research gaps, and propose future research directions concerning the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on OFWs and their left-behind families. The results indicate that the impact of the pandemic on OFWs was not uniform. It is evident that OFWs in precarious situations beforehand have become even more vulnerable. The loss of their source of income in the host country and the restrictions on international mobility during the pandemic had significant detrimental effects on their wellbeing and their families left behind, regardless of their income level or type of job. Upon returning to their home country, they often experienced anxiety, depression, discrimination, and difficulty in finding a job. Overall, this scoping review highlights the urgent need for greater recognition and protection of OFWs in times of crisis. It is crucial to address the systemic issues that contribute to their vulnerability and to ensure that they receive adequate support and protection in host countries and the Philippines.

Frozen Filipino Lechon Kawali Bites Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Frozen Filipino Lechon Kawali Bites market size was valued at $215 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $512 million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 10.1% during 2024–2033. The primary growth driver for this market is the rising global demand for convenient, ready-to-cook ethnic food products, fueled by increasing consumer exposure to Filipino cuisine through travel, social media, and multicultural urban centers. As consumers continue to seek authentic and flavorful meal solutions that are easy to prepare, the popularity of frozen Filipino Lechon Kawali Bites has surged, establishing a robust foundation for sustained market expansion worldwide.

Regional Outlook

North America holds the largest share of the global Frozen Filipino Lechon Kawali Bites market, accounting for nearly 38% of the total value in 2024. The region’s dominance is attributed to its mature frozen food sector, high purchasing power, and a rapidly growing Asian and Filipino diaspora, particularly in the United States and Canada. Supermarkets and hypermarkets in North America have expanded their ethnic food sections, making Filipino delicacies more accessible to mainstream consumers. Additionally, the proliferation of foodservice outlets specializing in Asian fusion and Filipino cuisine has further propelled demand. Favorable import policies and strong distribution networks have also enabled manufacturers to scale offerings efficiently, cementing North America as the market leader through 2033.

The Asia Pacific region is forecasted to be the fastest-growing market, with a projected CAGR of 13.5% from 2024 to 2033. This rapid growth is driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing appetite for convenient, ready-to-cook products among younger consumers. The Philippines, as the origin country, remains a key market, but significant investments are being made in neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, where Filipino communities are expanding. Strategic partnerships between local producers and international retailers are accelerating product penetration, while e-commerce platforms are making it easier for consumers to access a wider variety of frozen Filipino Lechon Kawali Bites.

Emerging economies in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are beginning to show notable interest in Frozen Filipino Lechon Kawali Bites, although adoption is at an early stage. Challenges such as limited cold chain infrastructure, varying import regulations, and lower consumer awareness have tempered growth compared to more developed regions. However, as Filipino expatriate populations grow and as global food trends influence local tastes, demand is rising in urban centers. Government initiatives to modernize food distribution and promote multicultural food products are expected to gradually overcome current barriers, setting the stage for future market expansion in these regions.

Report Scope

Filipino Bakery Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Filipino Bakery market size was valued at $2.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.7% during 2024–2033. The remarkable growth of this market is primarily attributed to the increasing global demand for authentic ethnic foods, with Filipino bakery products gaining popularity due to their unique flavors, cultural appeal, and the growing Filipino diaspora worldwide. As more consumers seek novel taste experiences and multicultural cuisine, the Filipino bakery market is poised for robust expansion, driven by both traditional recipes and innovative product launches that cater to a diverse, international audience.

Regional Outlook

North America currently holds the largest share of the Filipino Bakery market, accounting for approximately 38% of global revenue in 2024. This dominance is largely due to the substantial Filipino-American population, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, where demand for traditional Filipino baked goods is consistently high. Mature retail infrastructure, widespread availability of ethnic specialty stores, and the integration of Filipino bakery products into mainstream supermarkets have further fueled market growth. Additionally, North America benefits from robust food safety standards and supportive import-export policies, which facilitate the easy movement of bakery ingredients and finished goods. The region’s established distribution networks and the presence of leading Filipino bakery brands have cemented its status as a pivotal market for both established and emerging players.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the Filipino Bakery market, with a projected CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2033. This rapid expansion is propelled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a growing appreciation for Filipino cuisine within Southeast Asia and neighboring countries. The Philippines, as the birthplace of these bakery products, remains a key driver of innovation and product development, while countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia are witnessing increased investments in Filipino bakery chains and franchises. The proliferation of social media and food delivery platforms has further accelerated the adoption of Filipino baked goods among younger demographics. Government initiatives aimed at promoting local culinary heritage and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector are also contributing to the region’s dynamic growth trajectory.

Emerging economies in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are experiencing a gradual but steady uptake of Filipino bakery products. However, these regions face unique adoption challenges, such as limited awareness of Filipino cuisine, logistical hurdles, and varying regulatory requirements for food imports. Despite these obstacles, localized demand is on the rise, particularly in urban centers with significant Filipino expatriate communities. Strategic partnerships with local distributors, targeted marketing campaigns, and the opening of flagship Filipino bakeries are helping to bridge the gap in consumer awareness. Policy reforms aimed at enhancing food safety and streamlining import procedures are expected to further stimulate market entry and growth in these emerging economies over the forecast period.

Report Scope

New Zealand Net Migration: Citizenship: Philippines data was reported at 700.000 Person in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 542.000 Person for Jan 2025. New Zealand Net Migration: Citizenship: Philippines data is updated monthly, averaging 337.000 Person from Jan 2001 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 290 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,335.000 Person in Mar 2023 and a record low of -88.000 Person in Dec 2020. New Zealand Net Migration: Citizenship: Philippines data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Stats NZ. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.G009: International Migration: Net Migration: by Citizenship.

Frozen Filipino Kare Kare Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Frozen Filipino Kare Kare market size was valued at $425 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.12 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period of 2025–2033. The primary growth driver for the market is the increasing global demand for convenient, authentic ethnic foods, particularly among diaspora communities and adventurous consumers seeking diverse culinary experiences. The rising penetration of frozen ready-to-eat meals in both developed and emerging markets, coupled with technological advancements in freezing and packaging, has made traditional Filipino dishes like Kare Kare more accessible and appealing to a broad international audience. The market’s rapid expansion is further propelled by the growing influence of Filipino cuisine in mainstream food culture, continuous product innovation, and strategic collaborations between manufacturers and distributors worldwide.

Regional Outlook

North America holds the largest share of the global Frozen Filipino Kare Kare market, accounting for approximately 36% of the total market value in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the region’s mature frozen food sector, substantial Filipino diaspora populations in the United States and Canada, and a robust retail infrastructure that supports ethnic food distribution. The presence of established supermarket chains and specialty Asian grocery stores has facilitated widespread availability and visibility of frozen Kare Kare products. Additionally, North America’s consumers have shown a growing interest in global cuisines, further fueling demand. Strategic partnerships between Filipino food manufacturers and North American distributors, along with aggressive marketing campaigns, have also contributed to the region’s leading position. Regulatory support for food safety and quality, coupled with advanced freezing and packaging technologies, ensures product integrity and enhances consumer trust, solidifying North America’s status as the primary market for frozen Filipino Kare Kare.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, projected to register a remarkable CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period. The rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and evolving lifestyles in countries such as the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia are driving demand for convenient, ready-to-eat ethnic meals. Increasing awareness of Filipino cuisine, both within the Philippines and among neighboring countries, has resulted in higher adoption of frozen Kare Kare products. The expansion of modern retail formats, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, coupled with the proliferation of online grocery platforms, has significantly improved product accessibility. Investments in local manufacturing facilities and cold chain logistics are further supporting market growth. The region’s youthful population, openness to culinary experimentation, and growing health consciousness are prompting manufacturers to innovate with healthier formulations and sustainable packaging, ensuring sustained market momentum.

Emerging economies in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing a gradual yet steady increase in the adoption of frozen Filipino Kare Kare, although these regions collectively account for less than 15% of the global market in 2024. The primary challenges in these markets include limited consumer familiarity with Filipino cuisine, underdeveloped cold chain infrastructure, and price sensitivity. However, the growing presence of Filipino expatriate communities, expanding multicultural foodservice establishments, and targeted promotional efforts are beginning to generate localized demand. Governments in some Middle Eastern countries are actively supporting food import diversification, which benefits ethnic frozen food segments. Despite logistical and regulatory hurdles, these regions present untapped growth opportunities as awareness rises and distribution networks improve, making them strategic targets for future market expansion.

Report Scope

Abstract

The 1993 National Demographic Survey (NDS) is a nationally representative sample survey of women age 15-49 designed to collect information on fertility; family planning; infant, child and maternal mortality; and maternal and child health. The survey was conducted between April and June 1993. The 1993 NDS was carried out by the National Statistics Office in collaboration with the Department of Health, the University of the Philippines Population Institute, and other agencies concerned with population, health and family planning issues. Funding for the 1993 NDS was provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development through the Demographic and Health Surveys Program.

Close to 13,000 households throughout the country were visited during the survey and more than 15,000 women age 15-49 were interviewed. The results show that fertility in the Philippines continues its gradual decline. At current levels, Filipino women will give birth on average to 4.1 children during their reproductive years, 0.2 children less than that recorded in 1988. However, the total fertility rate in the Philippines remains high in comparison to the level achieved in the neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

The primary objective of the 1993 NDS is to provide up-to-date inform ation on fertility and mortality levels; nuptiality; fertility preferences; awareness, approval, and use of family planning methods; breastfeeding practices; and maternal and child health. This information is intended to assist policymakers and administrators in evaluating and designing programs and strategies for improving health and family planning services in 'the country.

MAIN RESULTS

Fertility varies significantly by region and socioeconomic characteristics. Urban women have on average 1.3 children less than rural women, and uneducated women have one child more than women with college education. Women in Bicol have on average 3 more children than women living in Metropolitan Manila.

Virtually all women know of a family planning method; the pill, female sterilization, IUD and condom are known to over 90 percent of women. Four in 10 married women are currently using contraception. The most popular method is female sterilization ( 12 percent), followed by the piU (9 percent), and natural family planning and withdrawal, both used by 7 percent of married women.

Contraceptive use is highest in Northern Mindanao, Central Visayas and Southern Mindanao, in urban areas, and among women with higher than secondary education. The contraceptive prevalence rate in the Philippines is markedly lower than in the neighboring Southeast Asian countries; the percentage of married women who were using family planning in Thailand was 66 percent in 1987, and 50 percent in Indonesia in 199l.

The majority of contraceptive users obtain their methods from a public service provider (70 percent). Government health facilities mainly provide permanent methods, while barangay health stations or health centers are the main sources for the pill, IUD and condom.

Although Filipino women already marry at a relatively higher age, they continue to delay the age at which they first married. Half of Filipino women marry at age 21.6. Most women have their first sexual intercourse after marriage.

Half of married women say that they want no more children, and 12 percent have been sterilized. An additional 19 percent want to wait at least two years before having another child. Almost two thirds of women in the Philippines express a preference for having 3 or less children. Results from the survey indicate that if all unwanted births were avoided, the total fertility rate would be 2.9 children, which is almost 30 percent less than the observed rate,

More than one quarter of married women in the Philippines are not using any contraceptive method, but want to delay their next birth for two years or more (12 percent), or want to stop childbearing (14 percent). If the potential demand for family planning is satisfied, the contraceptive prevalence rate could increase to 69 percent. The demand for stopping childbearing is about twice the level for spacing (45 and 23 percent, respectively).

Information on various aspects of maternal and child health---antenatal care, vaccination, breastfeeding and food supplementation, and illness was collected in the 1993 NDS on births in the five years preceding the survey. The findings show that 8 in 10 children under five were bom to mothers who received antenatal care from either midwives or nurses (45 percent) or doctors (38 percent). Delivery by a medical personnel is received by more than half of children born in the five years preceding the survey. However, the majority of deliveries occurred at home.

Tetanus, a leading cause of infant deaths, can be prevented by immunization of the mother during pregnancy. In the Philippines, two thirds of bitlhs in the five years preceding the survey were to mothers who received a tetanus toxoid injection during pregnancy.

Based on reports of mothers and information obtained from health cards, 90 percent of children aged 12-23 months have received shots of the BCG as well as the first doses of DPT and polio, and 81 percent have received immunization from measles. Immunization coverage declines with doses; the drop out rate is 3 to 5 percent for children receiving the full dose series of DPT and polio. Overall, 7 in 10 children age 12-23 months have received immunization against the six principal childhood diseases---polio, diphtheria, ~rtussis, tetanus, measles and tuberculosis.

During the two weeks preceding the survey, 1 in 10 children under 5 had diarrhea. Four in ten of these children were not treated. Among those who were treated, 27 percent were given oral rehydration salts, 36 percent were given recommended home solution or increased fluids.

Breasffeeding is less common in the Philippines than in many other developing countries. Overall, a total of 13 percent of children born in the 5 years preceding the survey were not breastfed at all. On the other hand, bottle feeding, a widely discouraged practice, is relatively common in the Philippines. Children are weaned at an early age; one in four children age 2-3 months were exclusively breastfed, and the mean duration of breastfeeding is less than 3 months.

Infant and child mortality in the Philippines have declined significantly in the past two decades. For every 1,000 live births, 34 infants died before their first birthday. Childhood mortality varies significantly by mother's residence and education. The mortality of urban infants is about 40 percent lower than that of rural infants. The probability of dying among infants whose mother had no formal schooling is twice as high as infants whose mother have secondary or higher education. Children of mothers who are too young or too old when they give birth, have too many prior births, or give birth at short intervals have an elevated mortality risk. Mortality risk is highest for children born to mothers under age 19.

The 1993 NDS also collected information necessary for the calculation of adult and maternal mortality using the sisterhood method. For both males and females, at all ages, male mortality is higher than that of females. Matemal mortality ratio for the 1980-1986 is estimated at 213 per 100,000 births, and for the 1987-1993 period 209 per 100,000 births. However, due to the small number of sibling deaths reported in the survey, age-specific rates should be used with caution.

Information on health and family planning services available to the residents of the 1993 NDS barangay was collected from a group of respondents in each location. Distance and time to reach a family planning service provider has insignificant association with whether a woman uses contraception or the choice of contraception being used. On the other hand, being close to a hospital increases the likelihood that antenatal care and births are to respondents who receive ANC and are delivered by a medical personnel or delivered in a health facility.

Geographic coverage

National. The main objective of the 1993 NDS sample is to allow analysis to be carried out for urban and rural areas separately, for 14 of the 15 regions in the country. Due to the recent formation of the 15th region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the sample did not allow for a separate estimate for this region.

Analysis unit

• Household
• Women age 15-49

Universe

The population covered by the 1993 Phillipines NDS is defined as the universe of all females age 15-49 years, who are members of the sample household or visitors present at the time of interview and had slept in the sample households the night prior to the time of interview, regardless of marital status.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

The main objective of the 1993 National Demographic Survey (NDS) sample is to provide estimates with an acceptable precision for sociodemographics characteristics, like fertility, family planning, health and mortality variables and to allow analysis to be carried out for urban and rural areas separately, for 14 of the 15 regions in the country. Due to the recent formation of the 15th region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the sample did not allow for a separate estimate for this region.

The sample is nationally representative with a total size of about 15,000 women aged 15 to 49. The Integrated Survey of Households (ISH) was used as a frame. The ISH was developed in 1980, and was comprised of samples of primary sampling units (PSUs) systematically selected and with a probability proportional to size in each of the 14 regions. The PSUs were reselected in 1991, using the 1990 Population Census data on

Australia Visitor Arrivals: By Country: South East Asia: Philippines data was reported at 12,280.000 Movement in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 11,770.000 Movement for Jan 2025. Australia Visitor Arrivals: By Country: South East Asia: Philippines data is updated monthly, averaging 3,655.000 Movement from Jan 1991 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 410 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18,800.000 Movement in Jun 2024 and a record low of 70.000 Movement in Aug 2020. Australia Visitor Arrivals: By Country: South East Asia: Philippines data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.Q006: Visitor Arrivals: Short Term: by Countries. [COVID-19-IMPACT]